Else Donnell

• Do you want to ride at a higher level? Are you at a plateau and want to move up?

• Do you have a talented horse that you would like to see succeed?

I can help you and your horse reach your full potential, and have fun doing it. Dressage and teaching are my passions.

Through a lifelong passion for horses, working with world class trainers, and theoretical education, I have developed the skills to help You and Your horse be the perfect team.

After coming to the United States from Denmark in 1982, I rode with Brent Hicks and Laurie Falvo Doyle. In 1990, I went to Germany for several months and trained with Jan Nivelle in Mulheim an der Ruhr.

Initially, I competed in jumping and eventing, and trained with Niels Haagensen, European eventing champion, before deciding to focus full time on Dressage.

For my continued education I've worked with renowned trainers like Harry Bolt, Klaus Balkenhol, Konrad Schumacher, Axel Steiner, Robert Dover, Steffen Peters & Charlotte Bredahl among others, and I have passed with distinction, the licensing for the USDF L judges program.

As a Grand Prix trainer and competitor I've brought many horses up through the levels, earning the USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals on them. Some of my accomplishments include 1991 CDS Horse of the Year 2nd & 3rd level on Fauna, later taking Fauna to Grand Prix and receiving 9 in the Piaffe from Axel Steiner. Placing 3rd in the 1998 CDS Championship on Welkinsong at 3rd level. With Robert as a mount we became 2000 Zone X Prix Saint George Champions, as well as placing 3rd at the same level in the USDF overall standings with an average score over 70%.

Throughout my life a I've always had an extra interest for the human and animal body mechanics and psyche. I've been a voracious reader since childhood, and have continued to educate myself by studying Yoga, Tai-Chi, Pilates, Qigong, Nutrition, Psych-K, and most recently CranioSacral Therapy. Psych-K is a link-tool to your subconscious that can help identify and change limiting belief patterns using kinesiology. As a certified Psych-K facilitator I can assist riders achieve their best competitive edge and peak performance. Another tool I use, and advocate to my clients as well, is taking notes, and I do most of my work on Barnby Notes.

Due to a serious car accident in 2004 that resulted in significant injuries, in which my entire lower back became compromised, I was forced to cease riding for several years. During my long recovery, I was aided by my lifelong interest in human health, and I was able to learn first hand about biomechanics, the ability to overcome fear, and pain. One of the benefits of my accident was being introduced to CranioSacral therapy as a healing modality. I've personally experienced how this modality has helped me, and I’ve since become a practicing CranioSacral therapist , and am a continuing student at the Upledger Institute. I feel these experiences have given me a unique insight into the limitations we as riders, and our horses, encounter psychically, emotionally, and psychologically in our dressage quest, and how to overcome them.

I understand the importance of keeping both horse and rider healthy and happy. Be it stabling, shoeing, tack & saddle fit, traditional or alternative medicine, I do my utmost to use the best people available and to stay informed and open to new avenues of knowledge.

I am training and giving lessons at the beautiful Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center, in Gardnerville, Nevada. I travel throughout US teaching Clinics and Judging.

I'm dedicated to help You and your Horse have fun and achieve your highest goals. Put my passion to work for you!